MCF5253CVM140 - ColdFire V2 32-bit 140MHz MCU | NXP
MPN: MCF5253CVM140 ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32.48 | $32.48 |
| 10 | $31.2 | $312.00 |
| 100 | $29.9 | $2,990.00 |
| 500 | $28.6 | $14,300.00 |
| 1,000 | $27.4 | $27,400.00 |
MCF5253CVM140 Overview
A microcontroller unit (MCU) is a single integrated circuit that combines a processor core, memory, and peripherals into one chip, forming the lowest tier of the embedded processing hierarchy: embedded controller -> microcontroller -> microprocessor unit (MPU) -> system-on-chip. The ColdFire V2 architecture is a RISC-derived 32-bit processor family originally developed by Freescale Semiconductor, now part of NXP Semiconductors, and is widely used in industrial control, consumer audio, and embedded connectivity designs.
The MCF5253CVM140 differentiates itself through an enhanced multiplier-accumulator (eMAC) unit that accelerates digital signal processing, on-chip USB-OTG with integrated transceiver, a tamper-proof real-time clock (RTC), and a high-speed on-chip oscillator-free external clock interface. Being ROMless, program code executes from external memory, giving designers full flexibility in code storage selection and field updates - a key advantage for products with evolving firmware.
Architecturally, the ColdFire V2 core delivers 2.1 MIPS per MHz-class performance with variable-length RISC instruction encoding (16/32/48-bit) that optimizes code density, which is significant for compressed audio decode, file management, and system control workloads. The eMAC handles multiply-accumulate operations in a single cycle for filter and codec arithmetic, offloading the main pipeline.
Typical applications include portable and automotive compressed-audio players, USB audio peripherals, industrial monitoring terminals, and consumer electronics requiring file management over USB mass storage. The 140 MHz clock and 3.3 V single-supply operation fit these designs well.
A critical design consideration: this part is at End of Life per NXP's product page. New designs should evaluate the MCF5251/MCF5252 family members in the same 225-MAPBGA footprint, and existing designs should secure last-time-buy inventory.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from Heisener, Arrow, DigiKey, and Mouser, drop-in family alternatives, and lifecycle guidance not found in a single manufacturer document.
Drop-in alternatives for MCF5253CVM140 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with MCF5253CVM140 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Program Memory Type, Real-Time Clock, USB Interface, Mounting Type, Core Architecture.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MCF5251CVM140
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$18.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF5251VM140
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MCF5252CVM140
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF5253CVM120
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MCF5253CVM140 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Core Processor | ColdFire V2 (MCF525x) |
| Core Size | 32-Bit |
| Speed | 140 MHz |
| Program Memory Type | ROMless (external memory) |
| RAM Size | 128K x 8 |
| Oscillator Type | External |
| Connectivity | USB-OTG |
| Peripherals | eMAC, tamper-proof RTC, USB-OTG |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Package / Case | 225-LFBGA (225-MAPBGA, 13x13 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Architecture | RISC, enhanced multiplier-accumulator (eMAC) |
| Application Target | Consumer / Industrial (audio decode, file management, system control) |
| Supplier Device Package | 225-MAPBGA |
| Lifecycle Status | End of Life (per NXP product page) |
MCF5253CVM140 225-mapbga Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MCF5253CVM140 (225-mapbga package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for MCF5253CVM140.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MCF5253CVM140 is suitable for 6 applications: Compressed Audio Players, USB-OTG Peripheral Devices, Industrial Monitoring Terminals, File Management Systems, Automotive and Consumer Infotainment Front-Ends, Embedded System Control with Secure Timestamping.
Compressed Audio Players
The MCF5253CVM140 was purpose-built for compressed audio decode: the 140 MHz ColdFire V2 core plus the single-cycle enhanced multiplier-accumulator (eMAC) delivers the arithmetic throughput required for MP3, WMA, and AAC-style decoding while leaving headroom for system control. In a typical player, the MCU executes codec code from external memory, buffers streams in the 128 KB on-chip SRAM, and uses the integrated USB-OTG controller to transfer media files to and from mass-storage devices without a host CPU. The tamper-proof RTC supports content-protection timestamping. The ROMless architecture lets manufacturers update codec firmware by changing external flash, extending product lifecycles. The trade-off versus dedicated audio DSPs is lower peak decode density, offset by far stronger control-code and file-management integration.
Recommended
USB-OTG Peripheral Devices
With USB On-The-Go integrated on-chip, the MCF5253CVM140 can act as either USB host or peripheral, enabling self-hosting products such as portable audio recorders, card readers, and docking accessories that exchange files directly with USB drives. At 140 MHz, the core sustains bulk-transfer bandwidth and protocol stacks while the eMAC accelerates any CRC-heavy or filtering work in the data path. The 3.3 V supply matches typical USB I/O signalling levels, simplifying level-translation-free designs. Typical topology: MCU as OTG dual-role device with the 128 KB SRAM holding endpoint buffers and the external bus handling file-system storage. Design consideration: since the part is ROMless and EOL, pair it with a secured external flash supply and validate USB stack timing at the 120 MHz derated speed if using the MCF5253CVM120 alternative.
Recommended
Industrial Monitoring Terminals
In industrial data loggers and monitoring terminals, the MCF5253CVM140 combines control-code execution with signal processing: the 32-bit ColdFire V2 core at 140 MHz runs the application and communication stacks, while the eMAC performs filter arithmetic on sensor streams. The tamper-proof real-time clock provides trusted event timestamping for audit-sensitive installations such as metering and access control. USB-OTG enables local field servicing - technicians connect a USB drive to pull logs or push firmware - and the ROMless design allows flash-based field updates of the terminal application across a fleet. With 3.3 V I/O and a 13x13 mm 225-MAPBGA footprint, it fits compact terminal PCBs. Note the EOL status: new industrial designs should target the MCF5251CVM140 or plan a last-time-buy with a documented lifetime stock buffer.
Recommended
File Management Systems
The MCF525x family explicitly targets the combination of file management and system control: the 140 MHz ColdFire V2 core runs FAT/exFAT-style file systems and USB mass-storage stacks while the eMAC accelerates hashing and data-path filtering. The 128 KB on-chip SRAM serves as file-system cache and endpoint buffers, reducing external bus traffic, and the ROMless architecture places code and storage in external memory sized to the application. Products such as media hubs, portable document readers, and embedded USB bridges benefit from the dual-role USB-OTG port, which lets the device read from one storage volume and write to another without a PC. Performance consideration: sustain throughput by tuning the external bus width and wait states per the MCF5253 Reference Manual (MCF5253RM) bus controller section.
Recommended
Automotive and Consumer Infotainment Front-Ends
The MCF5253 is classified by distributors under 'MCF5253 CONSUMER IND', reflecting its use in consumer and light-industrial infotainment front-ends: head-unit accessory modules, portable navigation companions, and docked media players. The eMAC-equipped ColdFire V2 core at 140 MHz decodes compressed audio while managing the human-interface and file tasks, and the tamper-proof RTC secures usage logging where required. USB-OTG allows direct connection to USB media, a key consumer feature. The single 3.3 V supply domain and 13x13 mm 225-MAPBGA package support compact, cost-sensitive consumer PCBs. Because this specific part is End of Life, consumer designs in development should migrate to MCF5251CVM140 in the same footprint, or consult NXP's discontinuance and replacement product change notice for the officially designated successor path.
Recommended
Embedded System Control with Secure Timestamping
General-purpose embedded controllers that require both a secure clock and moderate DSP capability fit the MCF5253CVM140 well: the tamper-proof RTC provides protected timekeeping for billing, logging, or security event records, while the 140 MHz ColdFire V2 core with eMAC handles the control loop and any associated filtering or protocol processing. USB-OTG provides a maintenance and data-extraction port without adding a separate USB controller, and the 128 KB SRAM plus external memory architecture scales to the application's code size. The part's ROMless nature is an advantage in security-conscious designs because code media can be external, authenticated, and replaced. Design consideration: at EOL, implement a lifetime-buy strategy sized to the product's service life, and validate the MCF5251CVM140 drop-in path against the NXP replacement PCN before freeze.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MCF5253CVM140 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MCF5251CVM140 | MCF5251VM140 | MCF5252CVM140 | MCF5253CVM120 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 225-MAPBGA (13x13 mm) | 225-MAPBGA (13x13 mm) - same | 225-MAPBGA (13x13 mm) - same | 225-MAPBGA (13x13 mm) - same | 225-MAPBGA (13x13 mm) - same |
| Brand | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors | NXP Semiconductors |
| Core Speed | 140 MHz | 140 MHz | 140 MHz | 140 MHz | 120 MHz |
| Core Architecture | ColdFire V2 32-bit RISC with eMAC | ColdFire V2 32-bit | ColdFire V2 32-bit | ColdFire V2 32-bit | ColdFire V2 32-bit with eMAC (same die) |
| Program Memory | ROMless (external) | ROMless (external) | ROMless (external) | ROMless (external) | ROMless (external) |
| Lifecycle Status | End of Life | Active/EOL-transitioning - verify | Active/EOL-transitioning - verify | Verify with NXP | End of Life (same PCN family) |
Key Differentiators
- Full USB-OTG integration with transceiver (vs MCF5251CVM140)
- Highest speed grade in the same footprint (vs MCF5253CVM120)
- eMAC-accelerated signal processing with ROMless flexibility (vs MCF5252CVM140)
Design Notes
The MCF5253CVM140 is End of Life per the official NXP product page. Before committing any new or continuing design, read NXP's 'Discontinuance and Replacement Product Change Notice' linked on the product page, size a last-time-buy against your product's remaining service life, and qualify MCF5251CVM140 as the same-footprint fallback. Do not assume third-party stock is date-code fresh; counterfeit risk rises sharply on EOL processors - buy only from franchised distributors (DigiKey, Mouser, Arrow) or Rochester Electronics.
The part operates from a 3.3 V supply domain (per Arrow listing). As a 225-ball BGA at 140 MHz, it will have separate core and I/O supply requirements and defined power-up sequencing described in the electrical specifications of the MCF5253 data sheet - estimate: a 140 MHz ColdFire V2 core typically draws in the tens-to-low-hundreds of mA range, so budget decoupling of multiple 0.1 uF ceramics per ball-rail plus bulk 10 uF at the regulators. Verify exact rail voltages and sequencing against the datasheet before layout freeze.
The 225-MAPBGA (13x13 mm, 0.8 mm-class ball pitch) requires a controlled-impedance layout for the external memory bus, since this ROMless part executes code off-chip. Follow the package diagram and pin assignments in the MCF5253 ColdFire Microprocessor Data Sheet; keep address/data bus lengths matched within the tolerance stated in the reference manual, place a solid ground plane directly under the BGA, and use via-in-pad or dog-bone fanout per IPC guidance. Simulate or measure USB-OTG differential pairs to 90 ohm differential impedance.
Because program execution depends on the external bus, memory-interface signal integrity directly determines the achievable zero-wait-state performance. Place the external flash/SDRAM within the shortest practical distance of the BGA, series-terminate address lines to control ringing, and validate timing margins at the derated 120 MHz clock if using MCF5253CVM120 as the fallback die. The oscillator is external per the datasheet, so locate the crystal/clock source close to the clock input pins with local ground guarding.
Compliance Information
RoHS/REACH declarations are carried in the 'Environmental Quality' section of the official NXP product page (https://www.nxp.com/part/MCF5253CVM140) but were not present in the retrieved data. This is a consumer/industrial (CONSUMER IND) classification part, not an automotive AEC-Q100 part. Obtain the compliance certificate from NXP or your distributor.
